What to Order at a Pizza Restaurant If You Can't Have Dairy

Hold the cheese, please.

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A dairy allergy can seem like the end to enjoying pizza. For years I would just order food from somewhere else while all of my friends went to get pizza. However, there is no need to miss out as long as you know how to order. I have found several tricks that can help you get the best dairy-free items on a pizza restaurant's menu.

Cheese-Free Pizza

Allison Curley

My favorite thing to order is no-cheese pizza, which pretty much any Italian or pizza restaurant will do upon request. I get a mini or personal pizza size pizza and just ask for sauce and toppings.

One of my favorite combinations is artichokes, tomatoes, spinach, fried eggplant, onion, and chicken. With all of the toppings, this pizza still packs a flavor punch, all without cheese.

I usually doctor my pizza up with some additional red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, basil, and maybe even some balsamic vinegar. There are tons of ways to make no-cheese pizza work.

Pasta

Caroline Ingalls

Almost every pizza place has an option for plain pasta with marinara sauce. Pasta is a really easy thing to order dairy-free. Just make sure to remind your server to nix the classic parmesan cheese garnish.

#SpoonTip: Pair your pasta with a side salad for a balanced, yet still indulgent, meal.

Sandwiches

Jocelyn Hsu

Many pizza restaurants have a sandwich section on their menu, which is perfect for dairy-free diets. I usually get something like an Italian sub or hero sandwich without cheese. This is a filling and delicious option that successfully avoids cheese, while also delivering on the flavor and carb cravings.

With these ordering tips, I no longer allow my dairy allergy to stop me from enjoying my time at pizza restaurants with friends. Whether I feel like ordering a cheese-less, but still flavorful, pizza, pasta, or a huge sub sandwich, there is always something fantastically delicious to eat.

With a few ordering tricks and simple seasoning strategies, dairy-free doesn't have to mean missing out on flavor or on a night out at your local pizza place.